WATCH: Nervy moments for Dodgers fans as Shohei Ohtani gets hit by pitch in 8th inning vs Rays
LA Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani left fans holding their breath after getting hit by a Richard Lovelady pitch in the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. The LA team eventually recorded a 3-1 win on the night, thanks to a go-ahead two-run homer from Mookie Betts in the bottom of the eighth.
However, they faced a scary moment when Ohtani was struck by a pitch in his left wrist just moments earlier. The Japanese star subsequently waved off the training staff and stayed on the field for the remainder of the game.
Having made the historic move across town from LA Angels over the winter break, Shohei Ohtani continued his scintillating performances in the MLB. Despite being relieved of pitching duties for the season as he recovers from an elbow surgery, the two-way superstar continued his hot run of form. Earlier this week, he became only the sixth player in Dodgers history to to record a 40-40 season(40 runs and 40 steals), with another month of regular season still remaining.
Dodgers entered Sunday's series finale against Tampa Bay Rays having won the first two games, with Ohtani starring in both games. Kike Hernandez got the LA side on the board with a solo home run in the fifth, while Johnny DeLuca responded in kind for the Rays to tie the score.
Shohei Ohtani avoids injury scare after scans on left forearm comes back negative
While Shohei Ohtani finished the game on the field after the hit-by-pitch, there was still some concern among the Los Angeles Dodgers. After the game, Ohtani's arm was seen wrapped up which was a cause for concern among fans. However, manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that X-Ray results have come back negative and no seriuous damage has been done.
As the Dodgers prepare to welcome the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game series at home, Ohtani is expected to remain in the the lineup. The Japanese star has already broken numerous records in his first season with the Dodgers, but the ultimate goal remains to lift his first World Series title.